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The First Wall Map of Mallorca

This beautifully detailed map, published in 1785, represents the island of Mallorca along with the smaller islands of Cabrera and Conejera.

Commissioned by Cardinal Antonio Despuig i Dameto and engraved by Joseph Muntaner, the map was created at the request of the Princess of Asturias, María Luisa de Borbón. It is a fine example of late 18th-century Spanish cartography, combining geographic accuracy with artistic embellishment, made all the more remarkable by its having been engraved and printed in Mallorca. 

The map is divided into colorful administrative sections, representing different districts and municipalities of Mallorca. It features topographical details, roads, and settlements, as well as indications of mountains, rivers, and coastal formations. The inset in the upper left corner displays a smaller map of Isla de Cabrera y de los Conejos.

Surrounding the central map, the border is decorated with finely engraved and hand-colored vignettes depicting significant towns and villages of Mallorca. Each vignette is accompanied by a brief description of the location, including information on population, economic activities, and notable historical or geographic features. Additionally, each town is represented with its coat of arms, reinforcing the heraldic identity of Mallorca’s settlements. 

These meticulously detailed vignettes provide insight into the settlements of 18th-century Mallorca. Each townscape is distinct, featuring natural landscapes, agricultural fields, and architectural landmarks such as churches and fortified structures. Below is an overview of the vignettes, listed from left to right and top to bottom:

• Algaida – Described as a town of 866 inhabitants, known for its production of grains, vegetables, wine, and figs. It was once a Moorish settlement.
• Felanitx – Home to 1,529 people, this town was historically significant for its fertile lands and wine production.
• Petra – A town famous for its mills and agricultural prosperity.
• Montuïri – Located near Monte Camilio, this town was a center of grain production.
• Sineu – Historically linked to the Roman era, it was once an important royal town.
• Llucmajor – Known for its agricultural wealth, particularly figs and grains.
• Alcudia – A walled town established by King Jaime I, Alcudia was a fortified urban center.
• Pollensa – An ancient Roman town with a distinctive economy based on olives and livestock.
• Artà – A Moorish-founded settlement, well known for its goat farming.
• Santanyí – Established in 1300 by Jaime II, it thrived as an agricultural village.
• Campos – Known for its salt production, derived from the surrounding marshlands.
• La Puebla – Founded in the 14th century, it became a center for wheat farming.
• Selva – Located in a mountainous region, Selva was recognized for its olive oil and livestock.
• Santa Margarita – Rich in agricultural products, with a large community of farmers.
• Sencelles – A small settlement with a focus on cereal and fruit cultivation.
• Alaró – A fortified town with historical significance tied to Mallorca’s Christian reconquest.
• Valldemossa – Known for its cultural heritage, monasteries, and terraced farming.
• Esporles – A lush valley settlement with a strong tradition of agriculture.
• Andratx – A coastal town with fishing and maritime activities.
• Campanet – Famous for its natural springs and traditional industries.
• Deià – A small but picturesque mountain village.
• Marratxí – Known for its vineyards and ceramic production.
• Calvià – A prosperous town with agricultural and livestock resources.
• Puigpunyent – Located in a valley, it specialized in olive oil production.
• Palma – The capital of Mallorca, prominently depicted with its grand harbor and cathedral.
• Bunyola – A fertile area known for its fruit orchards.
• Sóller – Renowned for its citrus groves and trade with France.
• Santa Maria – A winemaking center with a strong farming tradition.
• Muro – One of the island’s wealthiest agricultural zones.
• Lluc – Famous for its sanctuary and religious significance.
• Banyalbufar – A coastal village known for its terraced vineyards.

Each vignette includes a small coat of arms corresponding to the depicted settlement, reinforcing the identity of Mallorca’s municipalities. 

This map is a remarkable synthesis of cartography, topography, and artistic representation. Sponsored by Cardinal Despuig, it reflects the broader 18th-century Enlightenment interest in geographic knowledge and regional identity.   As one of the finest maps produced in Spain in the late 18th century, it remains a vital historical artifact, offering invaluable insights into Mallorca’s settlements, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

Rarity

While the map was published in a reduced format in the 19th Century and copied in the 19th and 20th Centuries, the original 1785 map is very rare on the market.

OCLC lists only the examples at the Berlin Staatsbibliothek and National Library of Spain.